The NC is divided into Key Stages
- Key Stage 1 - age 5-7
- Key Stage 2 - age 7-11
- Key Stage 3 - age 11-14
- Key Stage 4 - age 14-16
- At the end of Key Stages 1,2 and 3 the pupils are assessed by their teachers and by a variety of tests.
- For most subjects, these standards range from levels 1 to 8. Pupils progress through the levels as they get older and learn more.
- The levels are measured by SATS tests, which they do on a same day and they are posted to someone external to mark them (from the age of 5).
- Although students are not good enough, they do not turn back, they can go forward.